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| Photo by Christine Proctor |
Just days after posting the conclusion to the Dehart family's story, I was contacted by my very dear friend Lawrence Hyatt. Readers may remember that I have previously written about Lawrence's family. Lawrence and my other wonderful friend Christine Proctor have, for years, donated countless hours and thousands of dollars to provide tombstones for unmarked graves (when the identity of the deceased is known) in both the North Shore cemeteries and in the Lauada Cemetery. They have also placed stones in other cemeteries throughout the county, including the Watkins Cemetery where the Deharts are buried.
Lawrence wished to purchase new stones for Ruffin and Susan, whose stones are crumbling and will soon be lost to time. In this way, their new granite markers will ensure their remembrance forever. I was very touched by this extremely generous gesture. After verifying the dates of birth and death of each, Lawrence ordered the stones. On a beautiful day in late summer, he made the trek to the Watkins Cemetery from his home in Farner, Tennessee, and Christine joined us for a reverent placement of the stones.
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| Photo by Wendy Meyers |
Thank you, Lawrence and Christine, for making certain that Ruffin and Susan's presence in this county is preserved for posterity. I love you both.
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| Photo by Wendy Meyers |
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| Photo by Wendy Meyers |
It keeps wanting me to sign on to things I don't know understand. If you have me blocked or something please let me know. My email is eaammons@charter.net.
ReplyDeleteHi Ed - you are definitely NOT blocked! I will send an email to your address.
ReplyDeleteI was wanting to know if any of Ruffin and Susan's descendants were contacted or were present when the new markers were installed.
ReplyDeleteHi Ed - I have found tracing Ruffin's descendants to be extremely difficult. I have contacted a few people, including the grandson of Jesse DeHart, but no one seems to know much about the family. Regrettably, it was only myself, Lawrence and Christine at the installation.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to learn that Lawrence placed the new stones so this special couple will long be remembered! As a descendant of Nathan, Johnny, Martin, and Victoria DeHart, I am interested in all facets of my family's history. I really appreciate all that you, Lawrence, Christine, Don Cassada, and others have done to preserve the rich heritage of Swain County, Wendy! Fran Rogers, Clyde, NC
ReplyDeleteThank you, Fran - we are all very passionate about what we do!
ReplyDelete